Cape Verde - House Of Coco Magazine

Cape Verde November 9, 2023

Eat Your Way Around Lisbon

Okay, so I don’t want to play too much into the whole instagrammable food thing but, seriously, the food in Lisbon is so pretty I had to make you a movie. So enjoy this and find all my favourite picks for eating out in Lisbon below!

Coffee

You can grab a good bica (similar to an espresso but a bit longer) pretty much anywhere in Lisbon and you should rarely spend more than 70c on it. If you prefer to have a cafe to aim for, here are some of my favourite spots for the caffeine you’ll need to conquer those seven hills.

Montana Lisboa Cafe, Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa : urban art, speciality coffees (around 3 euros) and waterfront terrace.

Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Campo Santa Clara & Rua Nova da Piedade : founded in Copenhagen, winning awards as the best coffee shop in Portugal in 2018.

O das Joanas, Largo do Intendente Pina Manique : terrace seating in quirky Intendente with a great set breakfast.

Drinks

With seven hills, Lisbon is full of amazing look-outs over the city, often paired with a kiosk where you can buy a cold one. If you are looking for something a bit different, why not try one of these spots.

PARK, Calçada do Combro : on the top level of a car-park and not at all obvious from the street. Have faith, walk up the skanky back stairs and be rewarded with 180 view of the city.

Rio Marvilha, LX Factory : another panoramic bar but with restaurant and event space in the awesome quirky LX Factory.

Dois Corvos Brewery, R. Cap. Leitão 94 : colourful taproom with all of Dois Corvos range and tasty pizzas, for a chance of scenery walk (or stumble) 2 mins down the road to the more industrial Fabrica Musa brewery (Rua do Açúcar 83) and try your hand at getting a table at mysterious Aquel Lugar Que Nao Existe next door. We succeeded and it was one of the best, odd dining experiences – definitely recommended.

Dinner

It’s not hard to eat well in Lisbon, there’s plenty of amazing options but I’ll leave you with one healthy option, one burger place and a fancier but still well-priced dinner spot.

Cafe Nicolau, 17, R. São Nicolau : great spot for healthy, vegan and specialist dietary requirements. Cute street seating and a haven from the tourist / weed seller thoroughfares of the Baixa.

Cultura do Hamburguer, Rua Salgadeiras 38 : There’s a couple of popular burger spots in Lisbon; Honorato which you can sample in the Time Out Lisbon Market and Ground Burger near the Gulbenkian museum but the quirky Cultura do Hamburgueris the one for me with its innovative burger menu and great prices.

The Decadente, R. São Pedro de Alcântara 81 : Looks fancy, tastes fancy and is kind to your pocket. Great place to try some vinho verde.

Treats

You will not be hard pressed to find a sweet treat in this city…

Pasteis de Belem, Rua de Belém nº 84 : It’s a classic but it is so damn good. Go, eat two with a bica and grab a stash to take home.

Landeau, various locations incl. LX Factory : In true hipster fashion, when one place pretty much only serves one thing, it’s going to be fricking amazing. Landeau serves a velvety slice of chocolate cake from heaven.

Santina, Time Out Lisboa Market : Santini have been serving ice-cream since the 1940s and once you’ve had a scoop (or three!) you’ll see why!

Cape Verde May 19, 2020

Cascais to Faro: a luxury coastal escape

We adore the historic, vibrant, azulejo-filled city of Lisbon with its ginjinha bars that appear magically from nowhere once the work day is done. The hills are no match for our appetite to find the best pastéis de nata and order every type of coffee – café pingado, bica, galão, meia de leite…we’ve had them all and survived the caffeine jitters.

On a recent trip, we were invited to escape the city and venture out to the Portuguese coast – starting at one-time summer retreat for nobility, Cascais, and work our way down to the Algarve and the sun-bleached old town of Faro.

Cascais

A mere 30km to the west of Lisbon, you’ll hit this charming historic fishing town where lobster pots and fishnets have been replaced with lavish 19th-century mansions and cocktail terraces. A popular day trip from Lisbon for tourists and locals, the town’s cobbled streets and museums (Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, for instance, is an unexpected find in a tourist town, casadashistoriaspaularego.com) are perfect to get lost in while taking respite from the white heat of Praia dos Pescadores beach.

It would be a shame to spend all your time on the beach, so book a unique vintage Beetle tour with Boost Portugal. With the salted sea air rushing through your hair, you’ll visit fascinating geological formations like Boca do Inferno and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point on the continent, before pulling up at the Casal Santa Maria winery, feeling like a vintage movie star – headscarf and big shades required. That feeling will only intensify with the tale of the passionate Baron Bodo von Bruemmer, who founded the winery (at age 96) in 2006. Purchase a bottle of their Mar de Rosas Roséso you can be transported back to this idyllic hilltop terrace at the pop of a cork.

The perfect base for exploring Cascais and colourful and quirky Sintra is, without a doubt, the luxurious Sheraton Cascais Resort. While giving easy access to the coast, the resort is much more than a place to crash after a beach day with a large outdoor pool area, yoga classes under the pines and two onsite restaurants. Reserve your seat at the Japanese style sushi bar in Yakuza by Olivier for a dinner you won’t forget — each dish will be more colourful and innovative than the last. Post-dinner, sit out on the terrace of your room and marvel at the stars, far away from the city pollution, with a glass of local port. Your luxury coastal adventure has only just begun.

Faro and the Algarve

The Algarve is seen as Portugal’s most important tourist region, which might have you running for the hills, but its stunning beaches, hospitality and towns will coax you back. Team Coco fell head over heels in love. After a leisurely drive down from Cascais, leave your bags at reception at Pine Cliffs Hotel then feel yourself drawn down the private wooden walkway, between the rust-red cliffs and dusty pines, to dreamy restaurant Maré on the sand at Falesia Beach.

The newly renovated Maré is one of many dining and bar concepts to be found across the Pine Cliffs Resort property – from the healthy eating concept of Zest, traditional Portuguese chicken dishes with vinho verde on the terrace at Piri Piri Steakhouse to sundowner cocktails at Mirador Champagne Bar. You almost don’t need to leave the resort for food, but you would be missing out.

In nearby sun-bleached port town Faro, meet up with Joana for the most immersive food tour you might ever experience under the watchful gaze of the town’s resident storks. In amongst snippets of history – including the deeply creepy Capela dos Ossos bone chapel – you will experience the finest small foodie businesses Faro has to offer. Come hungry and you will be rewarded – the local goat’s cheese at eco Bistro 31 Vinho & Compwon’t be forgotten in a hurry or the unique Amarguinha Sour shaken up by the bartenders at Columbus Cocktail Bar.

Back at Pine Cliffs, after all that eating, you should probably do some work and Head Chef Lúcia Ribiero will put you through your paces to create a traditional cataplana at Mimo Algarve, the largest culinary school in Portugal. Leave with plenty of Instagram stories showing your prowess and some handy tips for when you are trying to recreate your dinner back at home.

All that’s left to do to complete your Algarve experience is to fully relax and soak up the lush surroundings of Pine Cliffs Resort either on Falesia beach or poolside at one of the seven outdoor pools. If the day turns grey, or you need to get out of the sun, treat yourself to an afternoon at Thermal Oasis at Serenity – The Art of Well Being spa strolling from experience shower, to zen garden and steam rooms – until it’s time to dry yourself off in search of some more delicious food!

Classic Collection Holidays offers two nights at Sheraton Cascais Resort and three nights at Pine Cliffs, A Luxury Collection Resort from £1,253 per person.

Price based on two adults sharing on a bed & breakfast basis and includes flights from London Heathrow to Lisbon and back from Faro, private transfers and rail travel between Lisbon and Faro. Departs mid-September 2019

Australia May 3, 2020

10 of the best remote luxury travel destinations

Global tourism has been on the rise but finding the best remote luxury travel destinations has been getting harder. The best remote luxury travel destinations allow you to escape the hustles of daily life and avoid crowds. Always take a few steps back from your daily life for health and psychological benefits.

The world offers luxurious remote destinations for people who would want to enjoy their weekends in quiet places near the sea and try various outdoor activities. Lottoland explores the world’s remotest islands in a summarized format that you can actually make informed decisions at a glance. But even better for you, we have explored 10 best remote luxury travel destinations that offer a quiet atmosphere, fresh air and natural beauty. They include:

Travaasa Hana, Hawaii, USA

Travaasa Hana, also known as Hotel Hana Maui, is situated on the eastern Maui tip in Hana and it is a perfect destination for tourists who would want to experience the real Hawaii. Lei making and throw-net fishing are some of the local customs to expect. Travaasa Hana is set amidst palm trees and rolling grass in the Hana Bay. The private suites and spacious cottages are some of the things that will set a peaceful mood in this area free from clocks, radios or televisions.

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

Situated in Newfoundland, Canada, Fogo Island Inn is on one of the earth’s four corners. On the North Atlantic Ocean rugged shores, the area has four seasons. All the 29 suits of this hotel offer floor-to-ceilings views of the sky and sea. The suites showcase the richness of the locality and express modern take on the traditional design and décor. The architecture of Fogo Island Inn is optimistic, bold and distinct.

Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Soneva Kiri is a choice of many tourists from all parts of the world. Even though the destination is remote, you can access it by flight from Bangkok. Soneva Kiri is situated in the fourth largest Island of Thailand but the least populated. Expect to find 36 spectacular private villas, built on hillsides overlooking turquoise waters and blanketed with rainforests. Spend your time in the powdery soft sand for a great experience.

Jalakara, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Jalakara is a destination of many British couples in need of luxurious remote destinations. Named after an ancient Sanskrit word, which means “the source”, the property was once a betel nut and banana plantation. Today it is a beautiful rainforest. It offers six suites and a private villa. Better still, the destination provides fabulous views across the rainforest towards the sea and sun.

Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia

Lizard Island offers 24 powdery-white beaches in addition to 40 luxurious suites. Situated on the Great Barrier Reef, this resort is the most northern in tropical Queensland. It is reserved for people desiring unforgettable holiday experiences. As a guest, you will enjoy secluded picnics on the private beaches, indulgent spa treatments in Essentia Day Spa and five-star cuisines in the SaltWater restaurant.

Nimmo Bay, British Columbia, British Columbia

Some of the things you should expect to see at Nimmo Bay Resort when arriving by helicopter include snow-capped mountains that meet the shoreline of the calm bay and the remote coastal rainforest that extends as far as your eyes can see. The main lodge of Nimmo Bay Resort floats on the bay and the two cedar hot tubs that steam at the cascading waterfall’s feet will be of great benefit. The adventures range from heli-hiking atop the sparkling mountain peaks, whale watching, river rafting and bear spotting. Food will be part of your adventures.

Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is widely known for the Giant Moai statues that dot grassy flanks of an extinct volcano situated in the Pacific Ocean. It is halfway between French Polynesia and South America. One of the unique features in this remote destination is Explora Rapa Nui, a hotel situated on a calm spot that allows you to experience the Island’s dramatic isolation and mysteries. The architecture of this hotel blends perfectly with its unique heritage and geography. The architects designed the 30 rooms to take advantage of the privacy, silence and the spaciousness of surrounding landscapes to ensure deeper rest after daily exploration.

Time + Tide Miavana, Madagascar

Miavana is a luxurious resort situated on the remote Nosy Ankao Island. Nosy Ankao Island is part of the five-island dry land of the north-eastern part of Madagascar. Some of the things you should expect in this remote destination are vibrant coral reefs and the spectacular maritime wonders of the Indian Ocean. Miavana offers 14 one-, two- and even three-bedroom villas located along the western white beaches of the island.

The designers of the palatial villas of Miavana are Lesley Carstens and Silvio Rech, the architects who also designed the North Island Seychelles. You will enjoy the spectacular panoramic sunsets of the Indian Ocean extending beyond the mainland Madagascar.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Maldive’ ultraluxe resorts never miss in lists of remotely located hotels because they occupy private islands, all scattered around the Equator. Unless you currently live in Male South or North close to an international airport, you can only reach this destination by a domestic turboprop or water plane flight after arriving in Maldives. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is situated in one of the deepest and largest atolls. It is also among the hard to reach resorts.

Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska, USA

Situated deep in the Alaskan wilderness (in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park), the Ultima Thule Lodge offers the luxuriousness you might need. This destination is very far from the paved roads and it is centred on adventure and immersed in nature. The lodge sits on a hill and offers an open kitchen, dining room and sitting room. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to view the mountains and Chitina River flow to the south.

Conclusion

We all need to take a few steps back from our daily life. Whether you prefer hikes or quiet weekend pampering near the sea, the destinations offer beautiful surroundings, high-class spas and many outdoor activities. From forest hideaways and private tropical islands to secluded spots, the above remote destinations might offer the experience you need.

Cameroon April 28, 2020

Dream Itineraries: A Travel Guide to West Africa

There are few regions in the world that can boast the astonishing cultural, culinary, natural, musical, and urban diversity of West Africa. While the travel hotspots of South Africa tend to get the most attention, West Africa is rising fast on travellers’ radars. The region represents the cornucopia of unforgettable experiences that Africa has to offer. From tropical rainforests, otherworldly deserts, volcanic outcrops, and sprawling, vibrant megacities, a West African itinerary leaves you truly spoiled for choice.

While this vast region is too rich to cover in this one piece, we thought it would be useful to provide those who are new to West Africa with a beginner’s itinerary that allows you to absorb the essence of the region. If you’re sitting at home and looking to plan your dream itinerary for when it’s time to travel again, here is why you should be making West Africa your next destination.

1. Start With a Sensory Overload in Nigeria

Where better place to start your West African odyssey than Nigeria, the continent’s fastest-growing country and premier cultural powerhouse. Begin your trip in the country’s sprawling, riotous commercial capital, Lagos, home to 21 million people and counting. While your first experience of the city may be challenging, your perseverance will be richly rewarded.

This city is one of the most liberal and energetic on the continent, which is reflected in the booming nightlife. As well as the classical streetside bar experience that can be had in every corner of the city, Lagos is one of the few places in Africa with a thriving casino scene, and a game at the roulette table is always a memorable experience.

Interestingly, Nigeria is one of the only places in Africa which also has also fully legalised online casino gaming, meaning that visitors can take advantage of the best online casinos on the continent. Once you’ve been thoroughly partied out by Lagos, make sure to book a couple of days in the serene colonial port town of Calabar for some R&R.

2. Nature and Tradition Meet in Cameroon

After the dizzying sensory overload of Nigeria, head to its southern neighbour, Cameroon, for a more relaxing change of pace. Here you will find rich tradition and jaw-dropping nature in equal abundance. Get the lowdown by starting your journey in Douala, the largest city, and home to some of the most noteworthy museums and historical institutions in the region.

The Musee de Douala, Douala Maritime Museum, and Doual’art can easily fill a whole afternoon, which you won’t regret. Once you’re sufficiently clued up on Cameroonian history, take a bus to volcanic Mt Cameroon, the tallest mountain in Western and Central Africa and home to a huge number of indigenous plant and animal species. When you’re not exploring the mountain and its surroundings, rejuvenate at the nearby Hotel Seme Beach Resort and Spa.

3. Eco-Friendly Beach-Hopping in São Tomé & Príncipe

After trekking through Cameroon, it’s time to hop aboard a tiny plane and jet off to the small island nation of São Tomé & Príncipe. Many travel writers have described this compact country as one of the closest incarnations of paradise on Earth they have seen, and it’s not hard to see why.

São Tomé & Príncipe has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading eco-tourism hotspots in recent years, offering unbeatable and sustainable experiences such as swimming with turtles on Praia Banana or mingling with crested mona monkeys at the breathtaking Parque Natural Obô de São Tomé.

All in all, São Tomé & Príncipe feels like a break from the rest of the world, a place that contains sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that few others have ever had the privilege of experiencing.

This itinerary is ideal for anyone wishing to get to grips with this beautiful corner of the world. If you have any tips for West Africa travel, let us know in the comments!